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Asking QUestions About Alcohol In Pregnancy (AQUA): Longitudinal Cohort Study Of The Effects Of Low And Moderate Doses Of Alcohol Exposure On The Fetus
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,368,294.00
Summary
National alcohol guidelines advise women to have no alcohol in pregnancy. However, many find they are unexpectedly pregnant and have been drinking, leading to considerable anxiety. While evidence is clear that heavy drinking is bad for the unborn baby, no-one knows for sure if low or even moderate levels of alcohol in pregnancy are harmful. We will study this important public health problem, following a group of pregnant women through their pregnancy and until their child is two years.
Reducing The Effects Of Antenatal Alcohol On Child Health (REAACH)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,497,397.00
Summary
Use of alcohol in pregnancy can affect the developing baby and cause Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). Children with FASD have lifelong brain injury that can lead to poor school performance, poor mental health and trouble with the law. This CRE builds on our strong background in research and community engagement to improve FASD prevention, diagnosis and treatment across Australia.
Developmental Programming: Mechanisms And Interventions
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$705,501.00
Summary
Disturbances during pregnancy can impact on developmental processes and result in increased risk of disease in later life. This project will examine the impact of perturbations such as maternal stress or alcohol consumption on the development of the placenta and fetal kidney. By gaining an understanding of how these organs are affected by prenatal insults, we are likely to be able to develop more effective intervention strategies to ensure all babies receive a healthy start to life.
Implementing, Evaluating And Translating Pragmatic Strategies To Prevent Prenatal Alcohol Exposure (PAE), And Treat Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$340,038.00
Summary
Drinking alcohol when pregnant places the unborn child at risk of lifelong brain damage, that we call Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). We can prevent FASD by raising awareness of the harms of drinking in pregnancy, and supporting women not to drink. For those with FASD, treatment programs can help reduce learning and behavioural problems. Our research team work with communities and service providers to implement FASD Prevention and Treatment strategies, and raise awareness of FASD.
Making Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders History In The Pilbara: An Evidence-based Prevention Intervention
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,703,824.00
Summary
This project creates and evaluates a community-oriented Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder prevention program. Based on an internationally recognised model, the program will be delivered through the Pilbara’s Aboriginal Health Organisations and WA Country Health Service and will assist Aboriginal women, partners, community and health providers. Program success will result in a reduction in alcohol use during pregnancy, and increased community and health providers’ knowledge, attitudes and practice.
Improving The Management Of Youth With Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder In The Justice System
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,499,897.00
Summary
Rates of Aboriginal youth incarceration in Western Australia are among the highest nationally. There is an urgent need to understand the extent of involvement of youth with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) in the justice system, and develop strategies to prevent continued engagement with the justice system. This research will establish the first Australian estimate of FASD among youth in detention and develop and evaluate a new model of service delivery and clinical management.
Improving Health Outcomes For Disadvantaged Children
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$585,269.00
Summary
I am a paediatrician researcher dedicated to improving health and quality of life for ill and disadvantaged children. The focus of my Fellowship will be research in three areas: rare childhood diseases, fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, and vaccine-preventable disease, with attention to diagnosis, treatment and prevention. Alignment of my research and clinical work and my experience in evidence-based medicine will facilitate adoption of my research into clinical care and health policy.
Prenatal Alcohol Exposure: A Molecular Mechanism For Memory Deficits Involving The Zinc-binding Protein, Metallothionein
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$277,645.00
Summary
Damage to the developing brain is the major social and economic consequence of prenatal alcohol exposure but it is unclear the mechanism by which this occurs. This study will assess whether the maternal zinc-binding protein, metallothionein, causes: 1) alcohol-related cognitive deficits, 2) changes in the expression of alcohol-sensitive cognitive genes. We will further assess whether dietary zinc supplementation throughout pregnancy can prevent alcohol-related anomalies in neurodevelopment.
The Alert Program: An Evidence Based Treatment Program For Aboriginal Children Living With FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,196,940.00
Summary
This study will research the effectiveness of the Alert Program to improve self-regulation and executive functioning skills in primary school aged children in the Fitzroy Valley, a vast area located within the Kimberley region of Western Australia. The project also aims to document a sustainable and culturally appropriate method of implementing a theraputic intervention that supports the improvement of skills in children living with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders within these communities.